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Pontiac Students Bundle Up, Awaiting Heating Fix

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PONTIAC (WWJ) – Hoodies and sweats are on in parts of Pontiac High School and Pontiac Middle School, because the heat is off in half of each building.

The head of the teachers’ union says it’s because the district and state are giving away money — nearly $200,000 for a consultant as part of a consent agreement, and more money for the head of the district.

“Not one penny of that is going to the children,” said Pontiac Education Association President Aimee McKeever. “Not one penny of that is taking care of the heating systems, so the children can sit in an environment where they can learn.”

McKeever said both the state and district officials know that the heating system needs to be fixed or replaced, but they’re not putting money aside to do that.

McKeever said, meantime, the interim superintendent was promoted to superintendent and given a $15,000 raise.

She said the district is not spending money wisely.

“I have classrooms sitting with 40-plus children in them, I have teachers buying the supplies for the classrooms,” McKeever said, “and they’re paying more for their health care, more for their retirement — and where are they getting any kind of help from the district or the state?”

McKeever said that until the mechanical problem with the heating system is fixed, middle and high school students are being allowed to wear sweatsuits other usually banned clothing items to stay warm.

WWJ Newsradio 950 has placed multiple calls to the superintendent and is awaiting a call back for comment.